7S challenge

Maciu Malo
Tuesday, January 21, 2014

IT is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters the most as Fiji 7s nippy halfback Henry Seniloli targets to stamp his mark in the Fiji 7s playmaker position at the Las Vegas tournament this weekend.

The "lionheart" warrior from the chiefly island of Bau, Tailevu is confident of filling the huge shoes left vacant by those top Fijian playmakers over the years.

Inspired by the reputation of former star halfbacks such as Emosi Vucago, Nikola Matawalu, Joji Ragamate and Waisea Nacuqu, the former Ratu Kadavulevu School student is confident of stepping up to the mark expected by the team management and the fans.

And the driving factor that will push this Tailevu native to perform above expectation is to surprise two special people who contributed in his rise to rugby fame.

The 23-year-old said he was aware of the challenges required of him and was ready to lay his body on the line for his parents who would be celebrating their birthdays on the first week of February.

"Being selected to cover in the halfback position is a huge challenge for me especially to try and live up to the reputation of former Fiji 7s halfbacks," said Seniloli.

"I may not be like them in the way they play but I will have my own game style to convince my worth in the position.

"Most of all I want to play my heart out for my parents who will be celebrating their birthdays in February.

"But firstly I thank the Almighty Lord for his guidance and plan to enable me to reach this far."

Seniloli who last played in the IRB 7s tournaments in 2010 said he wanted to stamp his dominance in the abbreviated code despite his fast transition from the full code during the Flying Fijians Europe tour last November.

"Though it's hard to play 7s after playing 15s all these time and I believe it was the power of the Lord that enabled me to be in the best 12 in the team for the Las Vegas and Wellington."

"I know what is expected of me from this position and I will do all it takes to help my teammates achieve our goal.

"My goal is to perform my best and improve from where I left off in 2010 in rugby 7s."

The gutsy Tailevu rugby halfback thanked Ben Ryan for having faith in him for the IRB 7s campaign.

He said the side had jelled well as a team during the past two weeks and were keen to showcase their talents to the rugby world.

"We have prepared hard for this IRB leg and we are happy with the guidance of Ben."

"This is a good team that will go out there and do our part well."

The Osea Kolinisau-captained- side faces Scotland in their first pool game at 1:06pm before meeting the unpredictable Aussie outfit at 4:02pm Saturday.

The much anticipated final pool clash against New Zealand is at 9.50am Sunday.